South Africa: Schweizer-Reneke Calm, but On Tenterhooks After Segregation of Black, White Pupils

The sleepy town of Schweizer-Reneke in the North West is on tenterhooks after a picture showing black and white pupils sitting separately according to race in a Grade R classroom at the local primary school went viral&period;

A group of protesters - mainly Economic Freedom Fighters members - converged on Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke as North West Education MEC Sello Lehari conducted an inspection on Thursday&period;

The teacher who is alleged to have separated the children has been suspended&period;

It has been reported that the teacher has left the town&period;

While the school's governing body said the school was technically open on Friday&comma; many parents kept their children at home&period;

The photo was posted on social media on Wednesday - the first day of the 2019 academic year - and soon became the centre of debate on racism and race relations&comma; both in Schweizer-Reneke and South Africa at large&period;

On Thursday&comma; more photos emerged&comma; seemingly from the same set&comma; and they showed the pupils sitting together&period;

Many parents have defended the teacher&comma; saying she loved all of her pupils&period;

A teacher from another school in the town told News24 that racism would never end in the area&period;